DHS Updates Entry/Exit Photo Requirements for Foreign Nationals

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled new policies mandating that foreign nationals, including green card holders and other non-U.S. citizens living legally in the country, must have their photographs taken upon entering or exiting the United States.

While Customs and Border Protection (CBP) already utilizes facial recognition at airport checkpoints, these guidelines will extend that technology to all entry and exit points across air, land, and sea borders in the U.S.

This adjustment means that CBP’s biometric screening program will now encompass more extensive image and data gathering, aimed at enhancing verification processes and reducing document fraud.

The official summary from the Federal Register notes, “This final rule amends DHS regulations to permit the collection of photographs from all aliens during their entry or exit from the United States.” Furthermore, it clarifies that non-exempt aliens may also need to provide additional biometric identification.

Interestingly, the changes lift previous exemptions related to age, now allowing facial recognition scans for travelers under 14 and those over 79 years of age. It aims to enhance security measures for travelers.

The policy specifies that exemptions previously given for age-based biometric collection, like fingerprints from younger and older populations, are based on technical limitations. However, it emphasizes that these exemptions don’t apply to facial recognition due to its growing importance in identity verification and efforts against child trafficking.

As for the timeline, these new rules are set to take effect on December 26th. It’s part of a wider approach initiated during the Trump administration, aiming to bolster border surveillance and tighten entry protocols.